Ernest SMITH [Parents] was born on 26 Jun 1893 in Cranberry St., Oldham. He died on 26 Jul 1963 in Hollins Road, Oldham, Lancs.. He was buried on 31 Jul 1963 in Hollinwood Cemetery. He married Clara May CROOKS on 29 Apr 1916 in Christ Church, Glodwick, Oldham. Ernest was employed as Railway Signalman.
Even when he was married still paid money to his mother Priscilla.
The Railway Executive,
London Midland Region.
November 1948
Dear Sir,
The prompt action you took in dealing with the 6.40pm freight train Neville Hill to Ordsall Lane on 25th August when this train got out of control between Collyhurst and Newtown No.1 Signal Boxes, and continued until brought to a stand on No. 20 Road in the rear of Victoria West Junction platform Home Signal, has been brought specially to my notice.
Your vigilance and quick appreciation of the position was very commendable and the way you handled the situation probably avoided seious accident.
In addition to the cheque which has been presented to you as a tangible recognition of your act I desire to convey to you my personal thanks and am pleased to be able to inform you that a suitable endorsement has been made to your Service History.
Yours Faithfully
J.W.Watkins,
Operating Superintendent.Oldham Chronicle July 29 1963
SMITH- On July 26 at his home 268 Hollins Road. Ernest aged 70 years, the beloved husband of Clara, dear father of John, May, Dora, Roy, Ernest and Margaret and father in law of Minnie.1893 26th Jun born Cranberry St Oldham
1916 29th April married Clara May CROOKS who was born 1894 16th May at Christ Church Glodwick
1916 30th Oct their first child Herbert was born at Fulham St
1918 8th June their second child Hilda was born at Fulham St
1920 10th Mar their third child John Crooks was born at 6 Fulham St
1922 23rd Jan their fourth child May was born at Fulham St
1923 29th Sept their fifth child Dora was born at Fulham St
1925 6th July their sixth child Roy was born at Fulham St
1927 6th Dec their seventh child Ernest was born at Fulham St
1930 21st Jan twins were born Margaret survived
Clara May CROOKS [Parents] was born on 16 May 1894 in Coppull, Chorley, Lancs.. She died on 10 Aug 1982 in Oldham, Lancs. She was buried in Oldham Cemetery & Crematorium. She married Ernest SMITH on 29 Apr 1916 in Christ Church, Glodwick, Oldham. Clara was employed as Velvet weaver.
Oldham Chronicle 11 August 1982
SMITH- On August 10 at Toravon, Newport St., Clara May aged 88 years, the beloved wife of the late Ernest and loving mother of John, May, Dora, Ernest, Margaret and the late Herbert, Hilda and Roy, also a dear mother in law, grandma and great grandma.
They had the following children:
M i Herbert SMITH was born on 30 Oct 1916. He died on 1 Apr 1944. F ii Hilda SMITH was born on 8 Jun 1918 in Fulham St., Oldham. She died on 23 Oct 1936 in Birch Avenue, Oldham. She was buried on 29 Oct 1936 in Oldham Cemetery & Crematorium. Hilda was employed as Ring Room operative.
Copy of letter sent to Ernest and Clara, by J Blears on the sudden death of Hilda. See picture of letter.
68 Cambridge St.,
Werneth,
Oldham
Oct 25/36
Dear Mr & Mrs Smith,
It is with deepest regret that I write to you which I thought it was my duty in acknowledgment to your message I received on Saturday in regard to your daughter's (Hilda) death. I must say it came as a shock to me and her workmates whom I informed on Saturday. I cannot express my sympathy in your loss. It is hard to lose someone we love, but in the midst of life we are in death.
Please accept my Deepest Sympathy and of her workmates whom I am sure would wish me to express their sympathy, and may Gad Bless and Comfort you one and all.
From a Sincere Friend
Mr J Blears
Ring Overlooker.M iii John Crooks SMITH was born on 10 Mar 1920. He died on 4 Jul 1994. F iv May SMITH was born on 23 Jan 1922. She died on 3 Oct 1993. F v Dora SMITH was born on 29 Sep 1923. M vi Roy SMITH was born on 6 Jul 1925. He died on 8 Jan 1979. M vii Ernest SMITH was born on 6 Dec 1927. He died on 17 May 2000. F viii Margaret SMITH was born on 21 Jan 1930.
Joseph SMITH [Parents] was born on 29 Aug 1857 in Barker St. Salford, Lancs. He died on 5 Feb 1937 in 7,Malvern place. Oldham. He was buried in Greenacres Cemetery. He married Priscilla PHOENIX on 16 Feb 1878 in St Bartholomews, Salford. Joseph resided in 7, Malvern place. Oldham. He was employed as Iron moulder.
1858 14, Barker Street, Salford
1878 2, James Place, Salford
1881 113, Jane Lane, Worsley
1891 122, Cranbrook Str. Oldham
1893 12, Cranberry Str, Oldham
1898 126, Roundthorn Rd, Oldham
1901 3, Balfour Str, Oldham
1903 46, Tate Str, Oldham
1918 7, Balfour Str, Oldham
1925 35, Kenwood Rd, Oldham
1936 7, Malvern Pl, OldhamIn 1871 - Broughton Road, Salford
John HILL, head, married 36
Mary Ellen wife 39
Joseph SMITH son 13
Elizabeth TOULSON 49
All born Pendleton, Salford.
Priscilla PHOENIX [Parents] was born on 20 Jan 1860 in Bistre, Buckley, Mold, Flintshire. She died on 18 Oct 1942 in 259, Hollins Road, Oldham, Lancs.. She was buried in Greenacres Cemetery. She married Joseph SMITH on 16 Feb 1878 in St Bartholomews, Salford. Priscilla resided in 259, Hollins Road, Oldham, Lancs..
1860 Bistre, Flint
1878 12, James Place, Salford
1881 113, Jane Lane, Worsley
1891 122, Cranbrook Str. Oldham
1893 12, Cranberry Str, Oldham
1898 126, Roundthorn Rd, Oldham
1901 3, Balfour Str, Oldham
1903 46, Tate Str, Oldham
1918 7, Balfour Str, Oldham
1925 35, Kenwood Rd, Oldham
1936 7, Malvern Pl, Oldham
1937 35, Kenwood Rd, Oldham
1942 259, Hollins Road OldhamOldham Chronicle October 19th 1942
SMITH- On October 18th at 259, Hollins Road, Priscilla, the beloved wife of the late Joseph Smith, in her 83rd year. At Rest.
They had the following children:
M i James SMITH was born in Jun 1877. He died on 16 Jun 1955. F ii Martha SMITH was born in Dec 1880 in Pendleton, Salford, Lancs.
1880 4q born Pendleton Salford
1881 Census aged 6 months living at Jane St Worsley
1886/7 Moved to Oldham
1891 Census aged 10 years living at 122 Cranbrook St Oldham
Went to live in CanadaM iii Thomas SMITH was born in Mar 1882. He died in Sep 1925. F iv Mary Ann SMITH was born in Sep 1883. She died in Sep 1960. M v Joseph SMITH was born in Mar 1885. F vi Sarah Elizabeth SMITH was born in Dec 1887. She died in Jun 1968. M vii Arthur SMITH was born in Dec 1889 in Oldham, Lancs. He died on 24 Mar 1902 in Oldham, Lancs. He was buried in Greenacres Cemetery.
1889 4q born in Oldham
1891 Census he was 1 year old and living at 122 Cranbrook St Oldham
1902 25 Mar died aged 12 years . He is buried in Greenacres Cemetery with Joseph and Priscilla SMITH.
OLDHAM CHRONICLE
Tuesday March 25th 1902
SHOCKING FATALITY AT MUMPS.
Boy run over and killed.
On Monday evening at 6-45 a sad calamity resulting in the death of a boy named Arthur SMITH (12) the son of Joseph SMITH 46 Tate Street Glodwick, occurred close to Mumps Bridge.
The unfortunate lad had been sent into the town on an errand and was crossing the road from the direction of Bottom o' th Moor as a lorry drawn by two horses, the property of Messrs John Leigh & Co, cotton waste dealers, Brook Street and driven by Harry Crinnion of No 5 Clock street was proceeding from the direction of Mumps. The lorry was loaded with bags of cotton waste. P.C. Potts who was standing close by, called to the boy, and he stepped back on to some planks. The lorry turned the corner sharply into Brook street and the boy and the planks were knocked into the road, the poor lad falling under the lorry wheels and being pushed along a couple of yards or so.
He was taken to Dr. Martlands surgery by a bystander but life was extinct and the body was removed to the mortuary.M viii Herbert SMITH was born in Sep 1890. He died on 24 Mar 1928. M ix Frank SMITH was born on 10 Nov 1891. He died in Sep 1970. M x Ernest SMITH was born on 26 Jun 1893. He died on 26 Jul 1963. M xi Harold SMITH was born in Dec 1896. He died in Mar 1968. M xii William SMITH was born on 28 Apr 1898. He died on 7 Nov 1979. F xiii Bertha SMITH was born in Jun 1900.
Thomas Thompson CROOKS [Parents] was born on 12 Feb 1854 in Staithes, Yorks. He died on 4 Mar 1945 in Ronald St., Oldham, Lancs.. He was buried in Greenacres Cemetery. He married Hannah TOTMAN on 7 Apr 1890 in Parish Church, Billericay, Essex. Thomas was baptized on 5 Mar 1854 in Hinderwell, Yorks. He was employed as Blacksmiths striker.
1889 Goes to Billericay, Essex, to be his brother Georges' striker, George is a blacksmith.
While there he meets Hannah Totman and they get married.
When working at Garston, Liverpool Tom and George actually worked on the docks.
Oldham Chronicle March 10 1945
CROOKS- On March 4th at 28 Ronald Street, Thomas, the beloved husband of the late Hannah Crooks, aged 91 years. Reunited.
1861 census: Living in Staithes but is visiting a family headed by John Adamson.
1871 census: He is living in Staithes with his mother, he is a miner.
1881 census: He is still in Staithes.1861 Census
3650 Folio 78
41, Front Street, Staithes, Yorks.
John Adamson 40 Head Sheetmaker Staithes/Yks
Rachel 41 Wife Staithes/Yks
John 19 Son Boat Builder Staithes/Yks
Rachel 13 Dau Scholar Staithes/Yks
Elizabeth 11 Dau Scholar Staithes/Yks
Thomas 7 Son Scholar Staithes/Yks
George 5 Son Scholar Staithes/Yks
Dorothy Ann 2 Dau Staithes/Yks
Wilson Brothon 20 App. Shoemaker Lipthome/Yks
Thos. Crooks 7 Visit Scholar Staithes/Yks
Hannah TOTMAN [Parents] was born on 5 Jan 1867 in Gt. Burstead, Billericay, Essex. She died on 5 Jan 1943 in Ronald St., Oldham, Lancs.. She was buried in Greenacres Cemetery. She married Thomas Thompson CROOKS on 7 Apr 1890 in Parish Church, Billericay, Essex. Hannah was employed as Servant, Shop assistant.
Hannah lived for a time at Letterston, near Fishguard, Wales, with Tom and the family. Apparently she loved living there. It was a cottage with an earth floor, and she kept a pig, which would come into the house and be chased out by the dog. She was able to grow her own vegetables and she was very happy.
Between Dora (1904) and George (1907) Hannah had a miscarriage.Oldham Chronicle January 9th 1943
CROOKS- On January 5th at 28 Ronald Street, Hannah, the beloved wife of Thomas Crooks, on her 76th birthday. At Rest.1881 Census
Dwelling: High St Billericay
Census Place: Great Burstead, Essex, England
Source: FHL Film 1341423 PRO Ref RG11 Piece 1758 Folio 21 Page 7
Marr Age Sex Birthplace
Wm. BEALL M 38 M Mountnessing, Essex, England
M.A. BEALL M 35 F Rawreth, Essex, England
Reginald R. BEALL 8 M Billericay, Essex, England
Leonard BEALL 5 M Billericay, Essex, England
Lawrence BEALL 3 M Billericay, Essex, England
Hannah PORTWAY U 26 F Waltham, Essex, England
servant
Hannah TOTMAN U 14 F Billericay, Essex, England
servant
They had the following children:
M i John Totman CROOKS was born in Jun 1891 in Wymondham, Leics.. He died on 2 Mar 1916 in Ypres, Belgium. John was employed as Railway guard.
John Totman Crooks is remembered as follows:
Corporal JOHN CROOKS, 15944
"B" Coy. 8th Bn. King's Own (Royal Lancaster Regt.)
Died 2nd March 1916
Commemorated YPRES (MENIN GATE) MEMORIAL
Belgium
Panel 12
Additional Information Age 25
Son of Thomas and Hannah Crooks,
of, 28, Ronald St. Oldham
Ypres (now Ieper) is a town in the Province of West Flanders. The memorial is situated at the eastern side of the town on the road to Menin and Courtrai, and bears the names of 55,000 men who were lost without trace during the defence of the Ypres Salient in the First World War.
From cd-rom soldiers that died in the great war we have
Born Melton Mowbray, enlisted Royton, Lancs. Theatre of War france and Flanders.
From the records of the War Graves Commission
In Memory of
John Crooks
Corporal
15944
"B" Coy. 8th Bn., King's Own (Royal Lancaster Regt.)
who died on
Thursday, 2nd March 1916. Age 25.
Additional Information: Son of Thomas and Hannah Crooks, of 28, Ronald St., Oldham.
Commemorative Information
Memorial: YPRES (MENIN GATE) MEMORIAL
Grave Reference/ Panel Number: Panel 12
Location: Ypres (now Ieper) is a town in the Province of West Flanders. The Memorial is situated at the eastern side of the town on the road to Menin and Courtrai, and bears the names of men who were lost without trace during the defence of the Ypres Salient in the First World War.
In Memory of
Corporal John Crooks
"B" Coy. 8th Bn., King's Own (Royal Lancaster Regt.)
who died aged 25 on Thursday, 2nd March 1916.
Corporal Crooks was the son of Thomas and Hannah Crooks, of 28, Ronald St., Oldham.
Remembered with honour
YPRES (MENIN GATE) MEMORIAL.
In the perpetual care of
the Commonwealth War Graves Commission
The Oldham Chronicle March 18th. 1916
Corporal John Crooks
Mrs. Crooks, of 32 Ronald Str. Oldham, has received the sad news that her eldest son corporal
John Crooks was killed in action in the fighting, in which the 8th. Kings Own Royal Lancashire
Regiment took part on the western front on March 2nd. In a letter dated March 7th. Lieutenant
Lyons who was in command of the company said:-
Tuesday, 7/3/16
Dear Mrs. Crooks, it is with deepest regret that I have to inform you of the death of your son
corporal J. Crooks, killed in action on the 2nd. front. He was the most popular nco in the company,
and was liked by all his officers and ranks. I was in constant touch with him, both in the trenches
and out, and I held him up as one of my best nco's. He was most willing, and anything he was able
to do could be left with full confidence that it would be done well. He has performed most usefull
work in the trenches where his services were so much appreciated by his efforts. Amongst his
many qualities was that of caring for a wounded comrade. In many cases I have seen him dress
wounds with infinite care and affection, indeed one of his last acts was to dress the wounds of a
man under danger to himself. It maybe of some comfort to know that I placed his name before the
commanding officer for specially good work and example during the attack, and that had he been
spared he would have been promoted to sergeant. I feel that in him I have lost an nco who will
never be fully replaced. His loss is deeply felt by his officers and men, and one and all feel for his
relative in their sad bereavement. Will you please accept my deepest sympathy, on your sad loss,
and may you be comforted in the thoughts that he did his duty as only few do.
yours sincerely
W.T.Lyons Lieutenant.
O.C. "B" Company
The Oldham Chronicle March 18th. 1916
The following letter has also been received from the chaplain respecting corporal Crooks death
6/3/1916 BEF
Dear Mrs. Crooks,
It is with great sorrow and in deep sympathy that I write to you, for my letter is
the bearer, I am afraid, of very bad news - news that will need all your courage to bear bravely. It
is about your son, Corporal Crooks, of this battalion, who, I am deeply grieved to say, laid down
his life for his king and country in the great assault that we made against the German trenches on
March 2nd. I know what a heavy blow this will be for you, but try to give him up as bravely as he
gave himself. I cannot tell you how greatly we miss him and grieve his loss, for he was an
excellent soldier, one of the very best, a great favourite with the men, and very highly spoken of by
his officers. He was in fact the best non-commissioned officer in this company, and his loss is
irreparable. He has made the greatest sacrifice that man can make, he has nobly followed in the
footsteps of Him who said "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his
friends", and he has passed, with Him from the storm of war to that land of promise where sorrow
and fighting are unknown. Don't think of him as gone forever, for it simply means that he has made
the great journey a little ahead of us, but one day you will follow him and find him in that land of
promise never again to be separated. I know how you must yearn for another sight of your boy, but
try to find comfort in the thought that he has made the most glorious use of his life. His is the death
of a true man and a brave soldier, for he has died for the honour of his country and the safety of
his home. So let pride in his glorious death be mingled in your grief. May he rest in peace, and
may the God of all, comfort and console you in your great loss. We all, officers and men alike,
share your sorrow and offer you our very true and deep sympathy. In all true sympathy, believe
me, yours very sincerely
M.P.G.Lennard, Chaplain
8th.Kings Own R. Lancs. BEF.
The Oldham Chronicle March 18th. 1916
A further letter shows the high opinion the non-coms of the battalion had of corporal Crooks
Somewhere in France 11/3/1916
Dear Mrs. Crooks,
You will by now have received the terrible news of your son's (Jack1s) death. My
object in writing is to relate to you the great esteem in which he was held by all who knew him. I
am sure you are justly proud of him, for there was no-one in the whole battalion who was so
universally loved. His cheerfullness, his manliness, and his devotion to duty under all conditions
were such as I have never seen before, and I always looked on him as the perfect soldier. I was
with him in the trenches up to the time of his death and worked along side him. Had he lived he
would undoubtedly have received promotion, and an award of distinction for his good work. The
loss must be a terrible one for you to bear, but you must try and find comfort in the thought that he
died like a hero and is another martyr in the great struggle for freedom. His example will always be
a shining light to us, and his memory will always be fresh and green to us. All his brother non-
coms wish to join me in expressing heartfelt sympathy with you in your great trial. "greater love
has no man than this ". He gave his life for his friend - yours very sincerely,
Sergt. A.W.Holgate, B Co.
Corporal Crooks was 25 years of age, and before enlisting in November 1914, was a goods guard
in the employ of the L&Y Railway Company. He was drafted to France last September. Crooks
was a grandson of the late Captain John Crooks of Staithes Yorkshire.
Corporal Crooks was exceedingly well known in the Greenacres district, and memorial services
will be held at Greenacres Congregational Chapel on Sunday Morning and at Townfield
Congregational Chapel in the evening.F ii Mary Jane (Cissie) CROOKS was born on 4 Nov 1892. She died on 9 Dec 1983. F iii Clara May CROOKS was born on 16 May 1894. She died on 10 Aug 1982. F iv Ethel Ann CROOKS was born on 4 Mar 1896 in Birmingham. She died on 1 Jan 1956 in 11, Manchester Road, Greenfield. She was buried on 5 Jan 1956 in Greenacres Cemetery.
Oldham Evening Chronicle Monday 2nd Jan 1956.
CROOKS on Jan 1st at 11 Manchester Road, Greenfield, ETHEL ANN beloved daughter of the late Thomas and Hannah Crooks late of Ronald Street, Oldham. In her 60th year. Cremation on Thursday Jan 5 at Oldham Crematorium at 1-30pm. "AT REST"M v Thomas Thompson CROOKS was born in Sep 1898 in Chesterfield, Derbys.. He died in Jun 1899 in Rotherham, Yorks.
Thomas Thompson died, because, according to Aunt Cissie, although he was a lovely, perfect baby he developed a black circle on his body and they knew that he would die.
Again according to aunt Cis, although Hannah was very upset when he died, she never ever went back to visit his grave.
This info came via Anne Holmes.F vi Lucy Alice CROOKS was born on 1 Feb 1900. She died on 6 Oct 1986. M vii William CROOKS was born on 24 Oct 1902. He died on 9 Apr 1988. F viii Dora CROOKS was born on 12 Oct 1904. She died in Aug 2000. M ix George Frederick CROOKS was born on 20 Jul 1907.
Joseph SMITH [Parents] died in 1857 in Salford, Lancs. He married Mary Ellen TOULSON on 20 Jul 1856 in Parish Church, Eccles. Joseph was employed as Ironmongers assistant.
Dies in 1857, prior to Joseph being born.
Mary Ellen TOULSON [Parents] was born on 10 Feb 1832 in Pendleton, Salford, Lancs. She married Joseph SMITH on 20 Jul 1856 in Parish Church, Eccles. Mary was baptized on 14 May 1832 in New Connection, Pendleton, Salford, Lancs.
Other marriages:HILL, John
They had the following children:
F i Mary SMITH was born in Mar 1856 in Salford, Lancs.
In a letter to cousin Elizabeth, great aunt Bertha says she has written to her cousin Elizabeth (always known as Cora) in America. Cora is the daughter of Joseph's sister Mary. She must be an elder daughter.M ii Joseph SMITH was born on 29 Aug 1857. He died on 5 Feb 1937.
Richard PHOENIX [Parents] was born in 1822 in Chester, Ches. He died on 28 Mar 1902 in Oldham, Lancs. He married Elizabeth ROBERTS on 25 Dec 1840 in St Johns', Chester. Richard was baptized on 10 Feb 1822 in St Johns', Chester. He was employed as Brickmaker.
1901 Census
3818 folio 156
8 Alley Street
Mary Gregory head w 55 at home Swinton
Hannah dau s 18 cotton cardroom hand Oldham
Lily dau s 16 cotton cop reeler Oldham
Edward son 13 cotton piecer Oldham
James son 11 Oldham
Margaret Ogden dau m 26 cotton cop reeler Swinton
Fred Ogden g/son 6 Oldham
Richard Phoenix Board w 80 no occupation Chester
Elizabeth ROBERTS [Parents] was born in 1819 in Buckley, Flint.. She died in Sep 1891 in Oldham, Lancs. She married Richard PHOENIX on 25 Dec 1840 in St Johns', Chester. Elizabeth was baptized on 14 Nov 1819 in Mold, Flint, Wales. She was employed as Servant.
They had the following children:
M i William PHOENIX was born in Dec 1841 in Gt Boughton, Ches. M ii John PHOENIX was born in Jun 1843. F iii Mary PHOENIX was born in Jan 1845. She died in Jun 1910. M iv James PHOENIX was born in Jan 1847. F v Elizabeth PHOENIX was born in Jun 1848. F vi Ann PHOENIX was born in Jan 1850. M vii Richard PHOENIX was born in 1854. He died in Sep 1913. F viii Martha PHOENIX was born in Sep 1854. M ix Thomas PHOENIX was born in Jan 1857. F x Priscilla PHOENIX was born on 20 Jan 1860. She died on 18 Oct 1942. F xi Catherine PHOENIX was born in Sep 1863.
John CROOKS [Parents] was born in 1821 in Staithes, Yorks. He died on 9 Apr 1879 in Staithes, Yorks. He was buried in All Saints Churchyard, Easington, Yorks.. He married Mary Ann THOMPSON on 23 Feb 1847 in Hinderwell, Yorks. John was baptized on 16 Mar 1821 in Lythe, Yorks. He was employed as Master Mariner.
Parentage suspect, father William named on marriage certificate but this could have been his grandfather.
Contracted malaria on a sea voyage, shipwrecked once when vessel "Arabian" lost 24 Mar 1870.
After trip to Staithes June 1997, the following information has been gleaned. John's mother was Mary Crooks, a single woman and he was baptised in Lythe, because she had also had another illegitimate son William 4 years earlier. There appears to be no record of a Richard Crooks born or baptised to Mary Crooks. She marries a Christopher Marshall two years after John's birth. John was brought up by his grandfather William, a cooper. William was more like a father to him than a grandfather. His masters certificate first issued Whitby 25 Jan 1851 (No. 37218) a second certificate was issued after loss of vessel "Arabian", this was at Middlesborough on 6 Apr 1870.
John Crooks summary of voyages on certificate no. 372181861 Captain "John Brown" 4 voyages
1862 Captain "John Brown" 4 voyages Mate "Susanna Dickson" 3 voyages
1863 Captain "Susanna Dickson" 3 voyages
1864 Captain vessel no. 1380 2 voyages
1865 Captain vessel no. 1380 2 voyages Captain vessel no. 2632 2 voyages
1866 Captain vessel no. 15898 4 voyages 1867 Captain "John Lawson" 2 voyages
1868 Mate "John Lawson" 2 voyages
1869 Mate "John Lawson" 6 voyages
1870 Mate "Arabian" 1 voyage
Vessel lost at sea. 24th March.John Crooks summary of voyages on certificate no. 75702
1870 2 Mate "Harriet" 2 voyages Mate "Vernon"2 voyages
1871 Mate "Craggs" 1 voyage Mate "Elsinore" 3 voyages Captain "Areta" 1 voyage
1872 Mate "Areta" 2 voyages Captain "Areta" 1 voyage
1873 Mate "Areta" 4 voyages 1874 Mate "Areta" 2 voyages Captain "Berdinkha" 2 voyages 1875 Captain "Berdinkha" 1 voyage
In Staithes rest of year.
1876 Mate "Susanna Dickson" 6 voyages
1877 Mate "Rosella" 2 voyagesIn affectionate remembrance of
JOHN CROOKS of Staithes, Master Mariner,
who died April 9th. 1879
aged 58 years.
Also JANE,
Daughter of JOHN and MARY ANN CROOKS
who died February 27th. 1878 aged
2 years 8 months.Copied from Gravestone at Easington Churchyard
FOUNDERING OF A BARQUE
The smack Snapper arrived in the Albert Dock yesterday, having the crew of the barque Arabian on board.
The Arabian, Captain Tindall, belonged to Middlesborough, and she was bound from that port for Swinemunde, when, owing to her straining in the heavy sea on Tuesday night and Wednesday morning, she sprang a leak. The crew kept to the pumps the whole of Tuesday night, but the water gained rapidly. At daylight on Wednesday morning it was deemed advisable to hoist signals of distress, as the water still gained upon the efforts of the exhausted crew. The signal was observed about eight o'clock in the morning by the crew of the Snapper, who at once made for the sinking ship. They reached her about nine, and the crew were so anxious to leave the vessel that they took to their own boat, and soon made the smack in safety. About an hour later the barque went down. The crew of the smack informed our reporter that one hand, who was too timid to trust himself to the boat, was left on board the Arabian, and perished with the vessel.
When the captain, however, reported the loss of the ship to the officers of the Shipwrecked Fishermen and Mariners' Society, at the Sailors Institute, he made no mention to them of the loss of any of his crew. Eight men altogether were saved, and the society forwarded six of them to Middlesborough, one to Hartlepool, and one to Stockton.
Hull News, Saturday 26th. March 1870
Capt. John Crooks was mate on board the Arabian.
He lost his Master's Certificate, or it was badly stained as was his certificate of service, and was issued with a renewal on 6th. April in Middlesborough.1851 Living at Staithes with wife and children.
1861 At sea with wife, see John Richard's notes.
1871 Presumed at sea.
SEARCH OF LLOYD'S CAPTAINS' REGISTER 1869by Peter Hogg Cleveland FHS
CROOKS, John b. Yorkshire 1821
(S.37,218) S=certificate of service
Cato---- 1856. Fairy 373O 1857 Ct. Eliza Hale 24485 1857-8 Ct., (Magnific 62l5) 1859 B., John Brown 4679? 1860-62 Ct., (Susanna Dixon 2061) 1862-63 F.P.S., Susanna Dixon 206l 1863 B.,Ct., Robert Adamson 7359? 1864-65 F.P.S.,B. Fuchsia 3632 1865 B., George 15...? 1866-67 B.,John Lawson 26026 1867-68 M., (John Lawson 26026) 1868 B.I can give you a bonus on some of the ships, as they are on databases of 1856 or 1875 which I have transcribed from Turnbull's Registers of those years. Sadly the fiches are not always very clear where the book margins come, so there may be slight errors or omissions in the above listings. Czarina Snow-brig 244 tons register reg. Sunderland Bk 1851 Wear Sunrise Brig 132 T.R. Reg. Newcastle Buik Wear 1862 Nicholas Smirk Brig 208 T.R. Reg Stockton on Tees Bk Wear 1849 Richard Mount Brig 178 T.R. Reg. Sunderland Bk Shoreham 1834. Fairy Square-rigged 274 T.R. Reg. Stockton Bk 1840 Whitby Magnific Snow-brig of Whitby 242 T.R. Bk Tees 1850 Susanna Dixon Brig of Whitby 222 T.R. Bk Wear 1852
Fuchsia Snow-brig of Sunderland 240 T.R. Bk Wear 1846. (I think this one figures in a J.W.Carmichael painting leaving Sunderland).
George Brig of Whitby 265 T.R. Bk 1840 Ulverston. John Lawson Barque of Whitby 308 T.R. Bk Whitby 1853.When the name of the vessel is printed in brackets, the man served as mate, on board the vessel, although holding a master's certificate.
abbreviations:
ct = Coasting trade, including Coasts of Holland, Belgium and France from river Elbe to Brest.
B = Baltic, Norway, White Sea, Gulf of Finland, The Cattegat
F.P.S. = France south of Brest, Portugal, Spain outside Straits of Gibraltar, Azores.
M = Mediterranean, Black Sea, Sea of Azof, Adriatic.SUSANNA DIXON port of Registry Whitby and official no:- 2,061
sailed on 1861 and 1862
222-ton brig built at Sunderland in 1852. Owner Francis Robinson
Whitby, Master Mariner. Totally wrecked at Lowestoft Oct 28 1882 (by
which time she was owned at Shields)
From WeatherillFAIRY.-Sch.; 87; St. Lawrence, Northumberland,, 1841; Reg. Wy., 1857; Owners, Jn. Adamson, Jn. Crooks and Will Craggs.
"Fairy," owner, Jn. Adamson, Staithes, Thomas Cass, master, and three hands, left Whitby the 3rd Oct., 1860, for Port Mulgrave at 7 a.m. At 9 a.m. ebb tide weather fine, wind W.N.W. strong gale, came to anchor in Sandsend roads. Soon after let go the second anchor and all the cable. At 11 a.m. the best bower cable broke, and the vessel drove until close to Whitby rock buoy, when for the safety of the ship and crew slipped the remaining anchor. The vessel cleared the rock, but turned with head towards land, apparently having shifted her ballast. At noon she drove on the rock near Saltwick and became a total wreck. We got ashore in our own boat with the assistance of fishermen.
The Ancient Port of Whitby and Its Shipping Richard Weatherill
JOHN LAWSON.-Bk; 308; bd., Turnbull. Owners, J. and John N. Lawson ; Reg. Lvrpl., 1855; Reg. Grnck., 1864; Reg. Wy. from Grnck., April, 1865; Owner, Sanderson Brown, of Staithes. Sold to Hull, 1869.
The Ancient Port of Whitby and Its Shipping Richard Weatherill
VERNON.-BG.; 172; bd., R. Campion; Owner, J.Park, Lndn., 1840; Lad. July 28.
The Ancient Port of Whitby and Its Shipping Richard Weatherill
ARETA. Bg. ; 210; Sndld., 1840; Reg. Wy., 1850; Owners, J. Baxter and J. Skerry, R.H.B. ; Reregistered at Wy., 1876; Owners, 1870, J. Skerry, J. H. Storm, Christ. Harrison, and Jn. Weighill; Owners, 1878, J. H. Storm, 24, Christ. Harrison, 16, Jn. Brand, 8, and Robt. Wellburn, 16.
" 'Areta,' Capt. James Baxter, Riga to London, wood, laid at anchor off the Black Tail Oct. 30, 1864, at 4.30 p.m., with lights burning brightly; was run into by the barque 'Jane Gandie,' of London, doing- much damage."
Lost with all the crew on the coast of Holland.
The Ancient Port of Whitby and Its Shipping Richard Weatherill
Mary Ann THOMPSON [Parents] was born in 1828 in Staithes, Yorks. She died on 5 Sep 1918 in Staithes, Yorks. She was buried in All Saints Churchyard, Easington, Yorks.. She married John CROOKS on 23 Feb 1847 in Hinderwell, Yorks. Mary was baptized on 22 Feb 1828 in Hinderwell, Yorks.
Lived all her life in Staithes, although thought she did go to sea with her husband.
Had her foot amputated at the age of 67, after she had an accident with an axe, and gangrene set in.
Her sister who lived in Loftus lived to be 100.
Mary Ann was left a house by her grandfather, so what happened to it?
No record of a will being made by either John Crooks or Mary Ann Crooks, but did John Richard inherit it as the eldest son?
In his will in 1938 he owns the house where Coates Crooks is living. Is this the family home?
1841 Living in Staithes, with Mother & Father, Brothers John & Coates.
1851 Living Staithes with Husband John and son William. Brother Coates is also there. A servant Elizabeth Toase is living in. Her eldest son John Richard is with his grandmother Mary Marshall.
1861 She is at sea with husband John. see notes of John Richard.
1871 Living Staithes, Husband at sea, apart from John Richard, now married and living in Hinderwell, all the children are with her.
1881 Living in Staithes. She is a widow, Thomas, George, Teresa & Coates are at home with her.
1891 Living Staithes. Coates at home, and her grandson, John Robinson (Teresa's son) is with her.1841 Census
Staithes, North Yorkshire
John Thompson 50 Farmer Y
Mary (Coates) 45 Y
John 20 Y
Mary (Ann) 10 Y
Coates 11 Y
Mary Ann Would Have Actually Been 12/13 Years Old And Coates Would Have Been Approx. 10 Years Old.
This Census Was Obtained June 1997, From Frank Taylor, Port Mulgrave.1871 Census
4850 Folio 129
85, Post Office Yard, Staithes, Yorks
Mary Ann Crooks 43 Head Staithes/Yks
Nee Thompson
William 21 Son Miner Staithes/Yks
Thos. 17 Son Miner Staithes/Yks
H ?? Elizabeth 13 Dau Staithes/Yks
George 10 Son Staithes/Yks
Teresa 8 Dau Staithes/Yks
Coates 6 Son Staithes/Yks
Thompson 1 Son Staithes/Yks1881 Census
Dwelling: Staithes Village
Census Place: Hinderwell, York, England
Source: Fhl Film 1342165 Pro Ref Rg11 Piece 4837 Folio 127 Page 10
Marr Age Sex Birthplace
Mary Ann Crooks W 53 F Staithes, York, England
Rel: Head
Occ: Sailors Widow
Thomas Crooks U 27 M Staithes, York, England
Rel: Son
Occ: Ironstone Miner
George Crooks U 21 M Staithes, York, England
Rel: Son
Occ: Blacksmith
Tereza Crooks U 18 F Staithes, York, England
Rel: Daur
Occ: Servant (Domestic)
Coates Crooks U 16 M Staithes, York, England
Rel: Son
Occ: Pupil Teacher1891 Census
Staithes, Township Hinderwell, Yorks.
Mary Ann Crooks W63 Head Staithes/Yks
Coates 25 Son Fish Merchant Staithes/Yks
John Robinson 4 G/Son Staithes/Yks1901 Census
4563 folio 46
High Street Staithes
Mary Ann Crooks Head w 75 Staithes
Coates Son 34 Fishm / Dealer Staithes
John Robinson G/son 14 Fishm/Dealer Staithes
Jane Robinson G/dau 8 Staithes
They had the following children:
M i John Richard CROOKS was born in Dec 1847. He died on 13 Oct 1938. M ii William CROOKS was born on 6 Nov 1849. He died in Jan 1948. F iii Mary CROOKS was born on 4 Oct 1851. She died in Sep 1934. M iv Thomas Thompson CROOKS was born on 12 Feb 1854. He died on 4 Mar 1945. F v Ann Elizabeth CROOKS was born in Jun 1857. She died in Jan 1950. M vi George CROOKS was born in Mar 1860. He died in Jun 1924. F vii Teresa CROOKS was born in Jun 1862. She died in Dec 1942. M viii Coates CROOKS was born in Sep 1864. He died in Mar 1957. M ix Thompson CROOKS was born in Sep 1869 in Staithes, Yorks. He died on 9 Jul 1888 in Staithes, Yorks.
Copy of mourning card for Thompson.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
In Loving memory of
THOMPSON
Youngest Son of the late John Crooks,
Master Mariner, of Staithes.
WHO DIED JULY 9 th. 1888
Aged 19 years.
"Not my will O God, but Thine be done."
---------------------------------------------------------------------
On the 1881 census he is away at boarding school, in Hull.
Dwelling: Port Of Hull Society Sailors Orphan Home
Census Place: Holy Trinity, Kingston-upon-Hull, York, England
Source: FHL Film 1342154 PRO Ref RG11 Piece 4780 Folio 89 Page 1
Marr Age Sex Birthplace
Jesse MASON M 40 M East Bridgeford, Nottingham, England
Rel: (Head)
Occ: Master Of O.House
Mary Ann MASON M 36 F St.Mary's, Nottingham, England
Rel: Wife
Occ: Matron Of O.House
Thompson CROOKS 11 M Staithes, York, England
Rel: Inmate
Occ: ScholarF x Jane CROOKS was born in Sep 1875 in Staithes, Yorks. She died on 27 Feb 1878 in Staithes, Yorks. She was buried in All Saints Churchyard, Easington, Yorks..
Copy of mourning card for Jane Crooks.
Actual card has intricate pattern around edge.
---------------------------------------------------
In Affectionate Remembrance of
JANE CROOKS
Who died at Staithes, Feb. 27th, 1878,
AGED 2 YEARS & 8 MONTHS.
------------------------
She's gone the one we loved so dear,
To her eternal rest:
She's gone to heaven, we have no fear,
To be for ever blest.
Weep not for me my parents dear,
God has recalled his own,
The few short years I've lived on earth
The less of sin I've known.
---------------------------------------------------
In affectionate remembrance of
JOHN CROOKS of Staithes, Master Mariner,
who died April 9th. 1879
aged 58 years.
Also JANE,
Daughter of JOHN and MARY ANN CROOKS
who died February 27th. 1878 aged
2 years 8 months.
Copied from Gravestone at Easington Churchyard.
John TOTMAN [Parents] was born in 1833 in Prittlewell, Essex. He was buried in Mar 1876 in Billericay, Essex. He married Ann Sarah JOSLIN on 13 Apr 1861 in Independent Chapel, Billericay, Essex. John was baptized on 12 May 1833 in St Mary, Prittlewell.
1841 census: Living in Prittlewell with his mother and father.
1851 census: John is a groom in the employ of G. John Jones, a member of the Royal College of Surgeons. They live in Prittlewell.
1861 census: ??
1871 census: Living High Street with Ann.
John Totman died while having an epileptic fit.1841 Census
Ho 107/337 Folio 50
Prittlewell, Essex
John Totman 50 Cooper Y
------- 40 Y
Walter 15 Y
Lucy 12 Y
John 7 Y
George 4 Y
Ages Are Rounded Down To The Nearest Five Years When Ages Are Above 15, All Others Are Exact.
Y Means Born In County Now Living In.
John Totman's Mother Was Not Given A First Name On The Census, Was It Unusual And They Could Not Perhaps Spell It?1851 Census
1777 Folio 277
Prittlewell, Essex
G. John Jones Head 37 Member Of Royal College Of Surgeons
London, General Practioner
St James', Midd
Charlotte Eliza Wife 36 Hants
George Francis Son 6 Midd
Henry Son 4 Prittlewell
Herbert Taylor Son 1 Prittlewell
Eliza Kiddiard Serv 27 Cook Prittlewell
Ann Snell Serv 24 House Maid Hadleigh
Ann Harvey Serv 16 House Maid Prittlewell
John Totman Serv 17 Groom Prittlewell
Ann Sarah JOSLIN [Parents] was born in 1837 in Gt. Burstead, Billericay, Essex. She died in 1912 in Billericay, Essex. She married John TOTMAN on 13 Apr 1861 in Independent Chapel, Billericay, Essex.
Other marriages:WADE, Frederick
1841 census: Living New Street, Great Burstead with her father & mother.
1851 census: Staying with her grandmother, Elizabeth Joslin in the Billericay area.
1861 census: Living High Street, Billericay with her father & mother.
1861 She is married to John Totman in April.
1871 census: Living in High Street, Billericay, this is a shop and John Totman is listed as a green-grocer.
1876 Husband John Totman dies.
1878 Marries Fred Wade.
1881 census: Living with Fred, a groom, at High Street, Billericay.1851 Census
1774 Folio 313
Billericay Area
Elizabeth Joslin Head 70 Pauper Sible Hedingham
Ag. Labourer's Wife
Ann ** G/Dau 12 Scholar Billericay
Elizabeth Is Ann Sarah's Grandmother.
They had the following children:
F i Lucy Ann TOTMAN was born in Sep 1863. She died in Sep 1922. F ii Hannah TOTMAN was born on 5 Jan 1867. She died on 5 Jan 1943. M iii George Frederick TOTMAN was born in Jun 1875 in Billericay, Essex. He died in 1877 in Billericay, Essex.
George Robert SMITH was born in Manchester ?. He married Mary Ann HIBBERT on 21 Apr 1831 in St Marys', Manchester.
One of the witnesses at the wedding is Thomas Hibbert, Mary Ann's brother.
Mary Ann HIBBERT [Parents] died in 1860 in Salford, Lancs. She married George Robert SMITH on 21 Apr 1831 in St Marys', Manchester.
They had the following children:
M i Joseph SMITH died in 1857.
John HILL was born in 1835 in Pendleton. He married Mary Ellen TOULSON in 1866 in Salford Register Office.
Mary Ellen TOULSON [Parents] was born on 10 Feb 1832 in Pendleton, Salford, Lancs. She married John HILL in 1866 in Salford Register Office. Mary was baptized on 14 May 1832 in New Connection, Pendleton, Salford, Lancs.
Other marriages:SMITH, Joseph
John TOULSON [Parents] died in Mar 1862 in Salford, Lancs. He married Elizabeth JONES on 3 Sep 1815 in Bowdon Parish Church, Ches.. John was employed as Bleacher.
Elizabeth JONES died in Jun 1843 in Salford, Lancs. She married John TOULSON on 3 Sep 1815 in Bowdon Parish Church, Ches..
They had the following children:
M i William Henry TOULSON was born on 26 Jul 1819. He died in Mar 1886. F ii Elizabeth TOULSON was born on 13 Dec 1821. She died in Dec 1878 in Salford, Lancs. Elizabeth was baptized on 30 Dec 1821 in New Connection, Pendleton, Salford, Lancs.
1851 Census
Elizabeth Street, Pendleton
John Toulson head w 51 Launderer Pendleton
Elizabeth dau 23 Launderer Pendleton ** see below
Joseph son 21 tinplate worker Pendleton
Mary Ellen dau 19 laundress Pendleton
Thomas son 17 clerk Pendleton
Charles son 15 scholar Pendleton
According to Elizabeth's baptism her age should have been 30.
In 1871 - Broughton Road, Salford
John HILL, head, married 36
Mary Ellen wife 39
Joseph SMITH son 13
Elizabeth TOULSON 49
All born Pendleton, Salford.M iii Benjamin TOULSON was born on 26 Jul 1824. He died in Jun 1891. M iv John TOULSON was born on 9 Jun 1827. M v Joseph TOULSON was born on 31 Oct 1829. He died on 22 Oct 1907. F vi Mary Ellen TOULSON was born on 10 Feb 1832. M vii Thomas TOULSON was born on 19 Sep 1833. M viii Charles TOULSON was born on 24 Apr 1836 in Brindle Heath, Pendleton, Salford.. Charles was baptized on 29 May 1836 in New Connection, Pendleton, Salford, Lancs.